The channel launched on October 17, 1997,[2] with the slogan Time Well Wasted, a variation of the U.S.-based channel A&E's then-slogan "Time Well Spent". The slogan was used until the network's overhaul on November 1, 2011.

Through various acquisitions over the years, Shaw, Astral and Les Films Rozon sold their interest in the service to Baton, which became Bell Globemedia in 2001 and was renamed CTVglobemedia in 2007, then Bell Media in 2011 following its acquisition by Bell Canada.

The Comedy Network maintained a consistent look since its incarnation in 1997. The 'yellow oval' logo (which has undergone slight modifications throughout its use) was in use since the network's launch in 1997 until November 1, 2011, when The Comedy Network was relaunched with a new look, consisting a new simplified logo and revamped on-air presentation.[3]

In August 2013, the CRTC denied an amendment to The Comedy Network's license, which would have reduced the amount of Canadian-produced content the network would have been required to air monthly, increase the amount of animated programming it could air from 10% of its lineup per day to 20% per month, and allow it to air films that were not Canadian-made. Bell argued that the network was at a disadvantage against Bite TV as it is able to air non-Canadian films, and Teletoon, which airs a late-night block of adult animation. The CRTC rejected its arguments in response to complaints by the networks and other unions, due to their differing natures of service and because that Bell's proposed changes were intended primarily to decrease the amount of Canadian content it airs to air more U.S.-originated programming.[4][5] Due to this, several programs targeted mainly to younger demographics, including Conan and even several Comedy Central programs, moved to sister channel MuchMusic.[6]

The Comedy Network, since its beginning, has held a relationship with its American counterpart, Comedy Central, broadcasting many of its programs in Canada. This relationship was strengthened in June 2007 when The Comedy Network's parent company announced a deal with Comedy Central for exclusive Canadian rights to the entire Comedy Central library of past and present programs on all electronic platforms, under a multi-year agreement with Viacom.[7] However, as noted before, many of Comedy Central's original shows have since moved to MuchMusic.

On August 2, 2010, TV Land Canada was rebranded as Comedy Gold, turning the channel into an offshoot of The Comedy Network. Comedy Gold focuses primarily on sitcoms from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, similar to the original format of the channel under the brand licensing agreement with TV Land.[8]

As part of Bell Media's suite of GO apps for all its main channels,[10] the Comedy Network launched its own app on April 15, 2014.[11] As part of the launch, the video section on the Comedy Network website was renamed after the app.